Call to the President of Ukraine concern about the Draft Laws No. 6675 and No. 6674

Call to the President of Ukraine concern about the Draft Laws No. 6675 “On Amendments to the Tax Code of Ukraine to ensure openness to the public information on the financing of the activities of public associations and the use of international technical assistance” and No. 6674 “On Amendments to Some Legislative Acts on ensuring openness to society providing of information on financing of the activities of public associations and the use of international technical assistance” was signed by the representatives of Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Caritas Ukraine, The Right to Protection (R2P), People in Need (PIN), Action Against Hunger (ACF), Divia, Crimea SOS, Foundation for Community Development, Triangle Génération Humanitaire (TGH), Terre des Нommes (TDH), HelpAge International, Dorcas Aid Ukraine, Médecins du Monde.

Ukraine NGO Forum members give assurances these draft laws are not in line with international practices and standards, and thus have raised significant public and international concern. For example, the laws application of special and exclusive requirements to financial statements of public associations and a special group of private entrepreneurs only, and the disproportionate penalty (i.e., cancellation of “charity” status) for failing to fulfil the requirements for submission and publication of annual financial reports, are not aligned with OSCE ODIHR Guidelines and the Venice Commission on Freedom of Association, as well as with Ukrainian legislation on personal data protection and the fundamental principle of equality. In view of the above its suggested to withdraw draft laws No 6674 and No 6675, and at the same time, establish a discussion platform to develop a new law on openness and accountability of non-profit non-governmental organisations, with the engagement of the public, representatives of the legislative and executive branches in Ukraine, and with a broad representation of civil society organisations.